Shelter In Place: Calendar House Prepared for the Worst

Neighbors of the Calendar House are already without power after wires were snapped just a mile down the road, but the early issues proved a good test for members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Sunday morning.

The team has opened a shelter at , the natural gas generator is up and running as Hurricane Irene quickly approaches. Don MacKenzie, a member of the team, said the center is prepared for the long haul.

“We’re ready to help whoever needs it,” said MacKenzie. “There are three meals already planned for today and we have established communications with other points in town through ham radio operators in case other forms are lost.”

During a snowstorm this past winter, which dropped nearly two feet of snow, the CERT members didn’t expect much of a turnout, but were able to serve about 30 residents who lost power including two evacuees. The efforts, led by Police Lt. Iza Howes, went without a hitch.

Bill Hawes, ham radio operator, was busy in the corner of the cafeteria at the Calendar House Sunday morning tuning in and providing the latest forecasts to CERT members as they awaited any visitors who planned to sign in.

“There are dozens of us across this area who have come out to provide communication,” Hawes said. “When things get this tough, there is a possibility cell towers and all other means of communication will be knocked out. Using the ham radio, we can keep communications going no matter how bad things get.”

The battery packs can last three days, Hawes said, and signal works even without towers.

Hurricane Irene has already been downgraded to a tropical storm, but strong winds and heavy rains will still batter the state over the course of the day Sunday.

If you need help, contact the Calendar House at (860) 621-3014 or stop in for assistance if your home has flooded.

The shelter has now closed, as of 2:15 p.m. on Sunday.